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A seminar on “Interpretation of Passive Fire Requirements in the UBBL 1984” was held on 17 November 2012 at PAM Mini Auditorium. 37 attendees comprise of architects and architectural graduates attended this talk.

The speaker was Ar. Chong Lee Siong MIArbs, MIFireE, graduated from Deakin University, Geelong in 1990. He worked in Australia for three years where he developed his keen interest in the study of safety in buildings. Upon returning to Malaysia he contributed to the drafting of the proposed revisions to the UBBL and to the publication “Guide To Fire Safety for Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia, Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia and other organizations and is currently in the drafting committee for the new proposed revisions to the Uniform Building By-Laws.

Ar. Chong Lee Siong stated that the fire safety provisions of the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 is often misconstrued to be restrictive and outdated in its scope, hence limiting Architects’ flair and creativity in the realization of our designs. However, the basic principles of designing for fire safety and the understanding of the characteristics of fire which is the basis of the formulation of the UBBL is still relevant today.

During the seminar he presented in details the fundamental concepts of fire safety, interpreting the UBBL and the practical applications of the relevant fire safety codes in Architecture. Ar. Chong also gave a detail explanation of the 4 basic principles on fire fighting: 1. Evacuation; 1. Passive Containment; 3. Active Intervention; 4. Only one fire at one place at one time.

He also briefly spoke about the latest changes to the UBBL (pending on Parliament reading), including the clarification on the perimeter access for fire appliance. Ar. Chong clarified that min 6.1m Access Way is required for Bomba staging; while the Access Road for the passage of Bomba appliances may be less than 6.1m wide.

The talk was very informative and participants had the opportunity asking many questions, tips and advice. It ended at 1.00pm.

Vote of thanks is accorded to Ar. Chong Lee Siong for the very informative talk and everyone for making their valuable time attending the seminar.

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A talk on Automated Waste Collection System was organized by the Chapter on Saturday, 24 November 2012 at PAM Mini Auditorium. 30 attendees comprising of professional architects, engineers and architectural graduates attended this talk.

The 1st speaker was Mr. Sri Kanda Rajah, Managing Director of STREAM Environment Group of Companies. His core areas of responsibilities include Head of Sales / Marketing, Engineering/ Design as well as Research and Development. He gave an introduction of STREAM group of companies and its core business which is the Automated Waste Collection System (AWSC), where STREAM is used and their track record.

He presented information of the Automated Waste Collection System (AWCS) which is also known as a “pneumatic waste conveying system”. This system transport municipal or domestic solid waste through pipes at high speeds from the garbage chutes into a sealed container well away from inhabited areas.

Garbage transported through the pipes is stored in a sealed container that is collected at a specified period by a conventional flatbed truck.

In his presentation he also spoke about the multiple advantages of the system:-

Hygienic – No more exposed filth and contamination, nor messy spills and stains.

Convenient – Regular removal and automated handling.

Healthy – Odour free and no heavy bins to lift.

Cost Efficient – An unobtrusive and compact system that frees up valuable space, and let you save on the labour costs, energy, cleaning and maintenance.

The 2nd speaker was Ir. Chea Thean Teik General Manager of STREAM Environment Sdn Bhd. An experienced and qualified Professional Engineer (Mechanical) with 17 years of experiences in the area of Building’s M&E services, Mechanical Handling Engineering, Project Management, Central Vacuum Systems and Automated Waste Collection Systems.

His topic was more on the technical aspects of the systems. He presented details of the technologies and installation methodologies.

The presentation was very informative and participants had the opportunity to ask many questions. It ended at 1.00pm with lunch.

Vote of thanks is accorded to the team from STREAM Environment Group of Companies for providing an informative presentation and to everyone present for making their valuable time attending the talk.